Roger Ellis Young

1941 - 2026

Roger Ellis Young

Enfield, NH - Roger Ellis Young, 85, died at Citrus Medical Center in Inverness, FL on February 9, 2026.

Roger was born on January 6, 1941, in Hanover, NH, to Ralph and Mary (Rowell) Young. From his earliest days, Roger made a lasting impact on all who knew him. He attended Hartford High School and, at the age of 19, proudly joined the United States Navy. He was stationed in Key West, FL, aboard the USS Bushnell, beginning a lifelong connection to the Sunshine State.

On August 19, 1961, Roger married the love of his life, Jacquelyn Robinson, beginning a partnership filled with laughter, devotion, and shared dreams. Together, they purchased their first home in Enfield, NH, where they built a warm and loving family that became the heart of their lives until 2021. In 2005, Roger and Jackie bought their second home in Floral City, FL, embracing the "snowbird" lifestyle and cherishing sunny winters with friends, new and old. In 2024, Florida became Roger's permanent home, a place he grew to love deeply.

Roger dedicated over three decades of service to Dartmouth College, working there from 1964 until his retirement in 2000. His colleagues remember him for his unwavering work ethic and genuine spirit. Beyond his professional life, music was Roger's true passion-a joy he eagerly shared with everyone around him. In 1983, he founded the Foggy Mountain Cloggers, spreading smiles and toe-tapping tunes at fairs, Fourth of July celebrations, festivals, nursing homes, hospitals, and schools. He treasured the many jam sessions with friends, where the sounds of his guitars, violin and his voice filled the room with classic tunes. Roger also found great joy outdoors and among friends. He loved golfing, fishing, hunting, playing pool, biking, and enjoying a game of cribbage.

Roger leaves behind a family who adored him: his children, Debbie Young-Messer and husband Lowell Messer of Bushnell, FL; Roger Young Jr and wife Cyndi of West Lebanon, NH; his beloved sister, Rowena Rossa and husband Bill of Englewood, FL; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, George and Judy Robinson of Sharon, VT; his sister-in-law, Jean Young of Johnson City, TN; his grandson, Josh Emerson and wife Lois of Lebanon, NH; granddaughters, Heather Venegas and husband Josh of Wilmington, NC, Keely Young of West Lebanon, NH, and Jessica Blanchard and husband Nate of Enfield, NH; as well as many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Each of them carries forward his great legacy.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Jackie in 2021; his parents, and his brother, Ralph Young. Their memories live on vividly in the stories and laughter Roger shared with those around him.

A graveside service will take place in the spring on a date to be announced. Knight Funeral Home in White River Jct., VT has been entrusted with arrangements. Family and friends are invited to share condolences and favorite memories in an online guestbook found at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.